Natural vaginal birth or childbirth, in general, however fulfilling, is a painful experience for women. When the cervix is fully dilated and the mother is bearing down, positive reassurance and coaching helps in this vital stage.
Pain threshold is different from one woman to another. But for the majority, pain associated with labor and delivery scores high in the scale. After the baby is delivered, there may be lacerations around the vagina and vulvar area (external part of the female genitalia).
If there is not much bleeding, pressure may be applied on the area temporarily. If there is considerable bleeding from the site, repair will be done. At this point, the woman will be offered local anesthesia to numb the area for repair.
Otherwise, it will be excruciatingly painful to suture without any pain medication as every passage of the needle may feel like a lancet piercing through the tissue.
Immediately after delivery, skin to skin contact of the baby and the mother is highly recommended. This fosters early bonding and provides warmth for the baby.
The healthcare provider will feel the uterus from the abdomen to check if it is contracted. This will feel firm like a basketball. After ensuring the placenta is complete and there is no profuse bleeding, the mother and baby are monitored closely.
What makes natural vaginal birth rewarding? Aside from a faster recovery, the experience is said to be empowering to women. This gives a whole new meaning to “labor of love”.
Learn more about giving birth, here.
Comments
Share your thoughts
Be the first to let Hello Doctor know your thoughts!
Join Us or Log In to join the discussion